Leeds Rhinos recruit Ryan Hall on 2026 plans and Hull KR hurt

Super League record try-scorer Ryan Hall has admitted to mixed emotions following his return to Leeds Rhinos from Hull KR.

Hall, now 37, is excited to be back at his home city club but stressed he was “proud” of what the Robins achieved during his time there and “gutted” to leave without winning a trophy.

The winger – a six-time Grand Final champion with Leeds – joined Hull KR ahead of the 2021 season, after two years at NRL giants Sydney Roosters.

He was a key figure in the East Yorkshire club’s transition from relegation candidates to title contenders, featuring in their 2023 Challenge Cup final defeat and at Old Trafford two months ago.

Despite being the Robins’ most outstanding player that evening, the Grand Final loss to Wigan Warriors denied him a dream farewell and he admitted to Serious About Rugby League: “It was mixed emotions last season.

“I was absolutely gutted to leave Hull KR without a trophy, especially in the last two years when it was well within our capabilities.

“We played in two finals and it was really heartbreaking not to come away with some silverware, but if you step back and look at the four year journey when I was there, I’m immensely proud of where the club got taken to.

“When I signed it was the back end of Covid, the club didn’t even finish their season and I was thinking ‘I’ve got my work cut out’, but that’s why I’m immensely proud of what happened over those four years, to finish where we finished.

“The club now is regarded as being in the top echelon of clubs and they’ll be our big rivals this year. I’m really looking forward to playing against them.”

Leeds Rhinos star reflects on Hull KR spell and try-scoring record

Hall became massively popular among the Robins’ fans and stressed that’s something else he is hugely proud of.

“I never really thought about being a fan favourite, but I just wanted to connect with the club,” he recalled.

“Obviously when I was at Leeds, I was a Leeds lad and all my family were from Leeds, so it was easy. But with KR I was trying to find that connection and the best I could do was that my grandma was from Goole.

“But as soon as I put that jersey on, the East Stand pretty much accepted me straight away. They just wanted a player to play well in that shirt and that’s all I ever tried to do.”

Last season saw Hall overtake former Leeds teammate Danny McGuire to become the most prolific player in Super League history.

He has Leigh Leopards’ Josh Charnley breathing down his neck, but stressed he isn’t looking at numbers.

“It’s all external noise, I’ve always said it – they are the team’s points, not mine,” Hall insisted.

“If I was in an individual sport like tennis I’d go for the individual record, but I’m just not bothered.

“Scoring a try as a winger is a product of playing in a good team or a good move. Half my tries, I’ve picked the ball up and put it down, I’ve not done anything in particular.

“It’s a game of numbers and I’m on top because I’ve been playing for a long time. I’m fully expecting Josh to surpass me because he scores a little bit more frequently.

“Maybe if I do keep hold of it when I retire, it might be something I look back on and be proud of, but I just want the team to win.”

Ryan Hall teases 2026 plans

Hall will pull on a Rhinos jersey for the first time since August, 2018 when Leeds face Wakefield Trinity in the annual Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge on Boxing Day.

He has signed a one-year contract, but revealed 2025 may not be his final year as a player.

“I’ve got an option for a second year,” Hall confirmed. “But it depends how I feel and how the club feels.

“In reality, this is year 19 and what sort of mental person finishes on 19? You’ve got to finish on 20, surely.

“That’s what I’m aiming for, to stay as long as possible. It’s not to drag it out, I don’t want to be clinging on when I’m not wanted.

“If the club wants me to play because I’m adding to the team, then 100 per cent I’ll be there.

“But if the club say ’come on mate, your race is run’, I’ll listen to that. But I still feel like I can offer something.”